Boof thinks we can win - who am I to doubt him?

Darren Lehmann has transitioned from a "players' player" to a "players' coach".

Michael Steele: Getty Images

Darren Lehmann's every success as a coach has been achieved with an underdog team, and that's exactly what Australia is heading into the Ashes, writes Bryce McGain.

It's well known that The Ashes is the single biggest event on the Australian cricketing calendar. Cricket Australia and the national selectors focus their complete strategy on defeating England in Test cricket.

There is no doubt that dismissing former coach Mickey Arthur and inserting Darren "Boof" Lehmann two weeks from the first Test wasn't part of the original strategy - set when England achieved back-to-back series victories in January 2011. So what change can possibly occur in such a short time to make this team a cohesive, competitive unit once again?

Is it possible for the rank outsiders - pummelled in the most recent Test series in India, and demoralised in the ICC Champions Trophy by failing to win a match - to bounce back?

Well, let me tell you, the signs are positive.

Lehmann has transitioned from a "players' player" to a "players' coach".

His credentials are solid. He has been a superb cricketer for Australia, South Australia and Yorkshire in his own right, winning many personal and team accolades.

He also had immediate success in his short tenure as Queensland coach, with titles in the Sheffield Shield and One Day competitions, as well as a win in the T20 with the Brisbane Heat.

His every success as a coach has been achieved with an underdog team, often winning from what would deemed impossible situations.

I interviewed him on ABC Grandstand radio immediately following the domestic One Day title win over Victoria at the MCG, and asked how his team still had the belief to knock over the final Victorian batsmen who seem destined to win in a canter.

"We just play games at practice," he explained. "We play game scenarios. A game a week all through the pre-season. The boys learn how to win from every scenario."

Cricketers love competing at practice.

I served as a state player representative on the Australian Cricketers Association board under his presidency, where I experienced first hand his cricket knowledge, strong leadership, good humour and independent thinking, which often led to robust discussion.

Never was a grudge held after such challenges with other executive board members; he knew it was to serve for the greater good of Australian cricketers.

He's continued that perspective immediately as head coach too.

Lehmann publically announced that every player now has a clean slate under his regime, gaining immediate support of the players who have been much maligned for indiscretions.

David Warner in particular must feel the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders and completely rejuvenated.

Team selection has shifted completely from picking players with potential to picking players based on performance (except in Warner's case, which has been deemed unique).

Simply, cricketers want to be selected on their presentation, preparation and ultimately performance.

Chris Rogers will have the opportunity to build on his one-Test career, having been confirmed in the Ashes squad with irresistible form for his county team Middlesex, including two double-centuries this season.

He also brings much needed experience to the Australian team, having played for the best part of a decade in England and being the current captain of Middlesex, who play at the venue of the 2nd Test, Lords.

Fellow members of the "One-Test Club" (editor's note: this writer is a paid up member of the OTC) are more than pleased to confirm his ineligibility to attend next year's function. Rogers is wrapped too. Furthermore, he's been confirmed as the opening batsman a week before the first Test match.

Cricketers want to know the selection news early, whether it is good or bad. Players can then activate mental focus towards peak performance, and not waste mental energy speculating the pros and cons of their own selection dilemma.

Boof knows it and fixed it in week one.

Shane Watson returns to his opening role, with a confirmed less bowling requirement as well. This pleased him at a special press conference designed not only to announce the news publically, but also to boost his self-confidence and ego.

Boof knows some players like to have egos stroked. Furthermore, it removes all excuses for Watson, whose performances in the past two years are under-par for such an all-round talent. There will be no more coveting or undermining other teammates' batting positions either.

I am concerned however that Australia has left its potential best weapon at home - leg spinner Fawad Ahmed.

The Australian Parliament activated the necessary approvals for his citizenship so he's eligible and primed. I saw him ripping his leggies at the MCG indoor nets earlier in the week, and he's prepared if the call comes.

This goes to show that England still struggles against good leg spin bowling - a fact we have known since Clarrie Grimmett took 11 wickets in his debut test against England in 1925.

On paper the batting strengths of England in recent times clearly overshadow the Aussies'.

Australia's Rogers and Watson look to have established a promising opening partnership, endorsed by Watson publically following their 170-run stand in their tour match against Worcestershire last week.

Clarke is formidable if he has recovered from the chronic back issues that kept him out of the ICC Champs Trophy tournament last month.

I'd expect Ed Cowan to bat at number three ahead of his skipper, with Phil Hughes likely to resume his Test resurgence in the middle order at five.

Steve Smith, the batsmen with a unique technique, should roll in at number six, a reward for his performances in the Indian series where he performed well under pressure. He is a reluctant leg spinner nowadays, but some support and mentoring from a spin coach who has lived it previously will undoubtedly lift his confidence. This would add some additional firepower at skipper Clarke's disposal and, from first hand experience in our time together at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence, Smith's best is quality.

Dave Warner could also be in the running for the number six position and may get the nod if his net form is deemed sufficient. He is currently still serving his suspension from the tour matches.

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will return to Test cricket with a determination and knowledge that this is his last opportunity.

Cricketers like having their fate in their own hands and Haddin will be reassured that he'll stay as long as he performs with both skill sets.

I can see Australia's young group - led by James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, a hopefully fit and firing Ryan Harris, and our own 'offie' Nathan Lyons - being capable of taking the required 20 English wickets to win Tests.

A hidden talent in swing-friendly conditions in England is the designated ball shiner, always given to a player who doesn't have sweaty hands. It's Alistair Cook for England and will now be Chris Rogers for the Aussies.

To prepare the ball for reverse swing, which will have a huge influence in this series, it must remain bone dry with one side buffed with a smooth finish. Notice that both teams keep the ball out of any other hands except the Chef and Bucky's when this ball preparation is on. Watch how these men support the team in a most underrated but critical way in the field.

My "danger player" in this series is Graham Onions for England. A medium-fast bowler in terrific current form, he is capable of moving the ball in the air and off the seam, and will pitch the ball up to exploit any batsman's weaknesses.

Onions will be a lock to play at his home ground for the 4th Test at Chester-le-Street in Durham, where the 30-year-old has been devastating for many years.

Chris Rogers has the skill and tools to be our leading run scorer in familiar batting conditions, and will ensure the skipper can come in to flourish instead of rebuild the innings.

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